Explore Janesville’s Downtown & Historic Districts

Whether you’re in search of unique shopping, exceptional dining or craft brewed beer, Janesville’s quaint downtown is a great place to visit. Enjoy the scenic view of the river and downtown from the patio of the Bodacious Shops of Block 42 as you sip espresso and savor a homemade cupcake, or splurge on deep fried Wisconsin cheese curds and a hearty burger at a local pub like the Looking Glass, O’Riley & Conways Irish Pub, or Whiskey Ranch.

If you’re looking to try a new dish or relax with a specialty cocktail visit Lark, which offers a stylish, comfortable and casual setting with delicious food and drinks. Lark is downtown Janesville’s newest restaurant. Their focus is on seasonally inspired dishes and drinks sourced with local ingredients. All in all, Janesville’s downtown includes nearly 2 dozen eateries that offer a wide variety of dining options. Learn more about dinging in Janesville downtown here.

Located in downtown Janesville’s historic Carriage Works building, Rock County Brewing Company is a nano brewery offering hand-crafted beers made in small batches. Not only can you enjoy a selection of tasty brews when you visit but frequently they partner with local food trucks to offer a variety of unique dining options.

After dining, it’s time to shop! Vintage or new, the choice is yours. Janesville’s downtown is home to a variety of unique shops (more than 30 retailers). You may go home with a work of art, a piece of vintage jewelry, a specialty olive oil, or even a new guitar. If you love resale be sure to visit Carousel Consignments‘ 4000 square feet packed full of antiques, collectibles, and housewares. Maybe you’d rather shop the wares of more than 70 local artisans at Raven’s Wish Gallery. You’ll find everything from handmade soaps and jewelry, to fine art and everything in between. Just down the street visit Glass Garden where you can browse the selection of stained glass, jewelry and gifts. Then head over to the Bodacious Olive where you can taste and shop their delicious selection of extra virgin olive oils, flavored and fused gourmet oils, and balsamic vinegars in traditional aged and infused varieties.

Voigt Music Center

Don’t leave downtown until you have visited Voigt Music Center where you will be blown away by the variety of guitars, drums, amps, keyboards, sheet music and more. They also have a full stage where they offer a array of events including open jams every Monday night and live music on Friday evenings. To learn more about shopping and dining in the downtown and around Janesville visit janesvillecvb.com.

If you appreciate history and architecture, you’ll love Janesville’s 13 historic districts and will want to take a self-guided tour. Just download the Clio app to your smartphone to guide you. Currently there are more than 45 historical sites on the app within 5 miles of Janesville. During the summer months multiple guided historic walking tours are offered free of charge by the Rock County Historical Society. These tours discuss not only the history of the buildings, districts and neighborhoods but also the architecture.

To make the most of your visit to Janesville, Wisconsin’s Great Outside, consider staying overnight at one of our comfortable and welcoming lodging facilities including options at two bed & breakfasts located in the heart of our historic districts. For more information, give us a call at (800) 487-2757. Our staff is happy to assist you!